Wednesday, November 29, 2023
11/29/2023
PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY for the Arkansas FY 2022 SOR Grant The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Adult & Behavioral Health Services (DHS-DAABHS) will implement and/or enhance statewide programs to increase access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and support evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders, including stimulant use disorders involving cocaine and methamphetamine. The programs to be implemented statewide will provide services for all ages, genders, gender identities, and races/ethnicities, with a focus on college students, seniors, people with disabilities, individuals involved with the justice system and/or re-entering the community from incarceration; and individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose requiring administration of naloxone. Arkansas is a rural state comprised predominantly of Health Professional Shortage and Medically Underserved Areas that lack access to both primary care and mental health services, as well as substance abuse treatment, addiction counseling, and peer recovery support services. Drug availability and rate of drug abuse is high and methamphetamine continues to be the most significant drug threat, although illicit opioids (primarily fentanyl) are now our deadliest drug threat, presenting extremely heightened risk of accidental overdose in people who consume street drugs. FY2022 SOR grant funds will be used to address the following service gaps: 1. The population of individuals with SUDs needing care, especially in residential treatment settings, continues to exceed the state’s capacity to provide that treatment; 2. Rural county residents lack equal access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as do minority populations of African Americans, Hispanics, and Marshallese; and 3. Naloxone is not yet readily available statewide or on all college campuses. In order to reduce disparities in access to care, use of services, and outcomes, DAABHS will apply the National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) at all levels of the program. The Project Director and the Community Services Contractor will collaborate with the community enrichment program and the county health specialist consortium to design and implement media campaigns, educational materials, and program activities that are respectful of the cultural and linguistic needs of grant participants. To comply with the Communication and Language Assistance standard, we will provide easy-to-understand print and multimedia training materials for first responders and treatment providers, as well as public education health literacy materials at an appropriate comprehension level. We anticipate providing prevention services for a total of 3,000 unduplicated individuals during the 2-year grant period (1,500 in year 1 and 1,500 in year 2), treatment services for a total of 800 unduplicated individuals (400 in year 1 and 400 in year 2), and recovery support services for a total of 800 unduplicated individuals (400 in year 1 and 400 in year 2).
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
